IEC 61076-2-103 ed1.0. Connectors for electronic equipment - Part 2-103: Circular connectors - Detail specification for a range of multipole connectors (type 'XLR')". International Electrotechnical Commission. 3 August 2004 . Retrieved 23 March 2012. They are the standard connector for intercom headsets, such as systems made by Clear-Com and Telex. Two pins are used for the mono headphone signal and two pins for the unbalanced microphone signal. [ citation needed] TRS connectors come in both male and female versions. The male connector is usually found on cables, while the female connector is found on audio equipment. TRS connectors are color-coded, with the tip being the left channel, the ring being the right channel, and the sleeve being ground. Also, these cables are only capable of mono signaling, which means you don't have that separation of left and right channels. This makes it suitable only for instruments that are mono signaled, such as guitars. You can’t use these cables for recording with your mic at all.

XLR vs. TRS: What’s The Deal with Them and Balanced Cable

The five-pin XLR is the standard connector for DMX512, the most common protocol for controlling professional lighting and related equipment. [8] Three-pin XLR connectors are increasingly common instead. These are electrically compatible with a simple jumpering 1–1, 2–2, 3–3 between them. However, using three-pin XLR connectors for DMX512 is specifically prohibited by section 7.1.2 of the DMX512 standard. [9] The DUO-CAPTURE EX is equipped with two XLR/TRS inputs (with phantom-power support for condenser microphones), plus a Hi-Z input switch for direct connection of an electric guitar or bass. The DUO-CAPTURE EX is compatible with all major computer platforms, including WDM/ASIO (Windows), Core Audio (Mac), and even iOS for the iPad. The main difference is that unbalanced connections only carry two conductors—a positive (or hot) signal and a negative (or cold) signal that also includes the ground wire—whereas balanced connections carry three conductors—a positive signal, a negative signal, and a separate signal for the ground wire. In both cases, the ground wire is used to protect signals from potential electromagnetic interference. Since XLR cables have a ground wire signal path, it allows for a more balanced signal that results in much better sound quality, free from noise and sound interference from outside signals.

There are currently several different versions of XLR cables available with a variety of additional pins (XLR3 - XLR7), but what we're talking about here is the XLR3 or the three-pin style of cable. This is by far the most common type of cable.

XLR vs. TRS: Which Is the Best Choice for Recording?

Is it all good and nothing bad for XLR cables? Well, there is something that keeps them at bay. The price of XLR cables will be a bit higher than other audio transmission cables. And, you may have to use an adapter or an audio interface to get used out of it. About TRS & TS Strand count is another way to determine the quality of cables. If you dissect a cable, you will notice that it is made up of a lot of tiny strands. The more strands, the stronger the cord will be, which, of course, will extend its life. Higher strand counts also add flexibility to the cable, which just makes it easier to maneuver. Shielding The Duo Capture EX uses the same preamps as the Octa Capture and Quad Capture interfaces so users who need the most portable interface in the Capture range do not compromise on sound quality. Here's what Roland say about the Duo Capture EX EIA Standard RS-297-A describes the use of the three-pin XLR - known as XLR3 - for balanced audio signal level applications:

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Andertons Music Co. Roland Duo Capture EX USB Audio Interface - Andertons Music Co.

Other uses for the four-pin XLR include some scrollers (colour-changing devices for stage lighting), AMX analog lighting control (now obsolete) and some pyrotechnic equipment. [ citation needed] Five-pin XLR is also a common power connector in modular professional audio systems, such as the Automated Processes, Inc.'s (API) Lunchbox format. [25] This format is becoming increasingly popular and five-pin XLR for DC power is used by many third-party module and chassis developers such as BAE Audio [26] and JLM Audio. [27] It is also used by Slate Digital for the VMS1 microphone preamp. [28] Typically the pin configuration is:

On the other hand, TRS connectors have one wire for the audio signal and a second wire for the ground. They are unbalanced, so they are not as good for long cable runs as XLR connectors. XLR and TRS are types of connectors for audio equipment. They both look different and have different features. This article will discuss the differences between XLR and TRS connectors and compare their sound quality. The third wire enables them to balance the audio output, which drastically reduces sound interference from other equipment or radio frequencies, which improves the overall sound quality of your recordings. What Makes a Quality Cable?